Welcome - Sawadee ka (hello in Thai) - to the land of a thousand smiles!
Chiang Mai (meaning ‘new’ city) is a refuge from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok and is known for its laid back lifestyle, delicious northern-style food, and serene, mountainous landscapes.
As a country that has never been colonized, you'll see old mixed with new in different forms, from temples to traditional street food, local artisan shops filled with handmade woven baskets to indigo-dyed clothing.
Forty-five minutes from Chiang Mai, in the countryside of Doi Saket, is where you'll find the peace and joy that brings a thousand smiles to Thai people and their culture. As you relax into your surroundings at the beautiful eco-retreat that is Mala Dhara, you'll find your HSP/introvert sanctuary amidst the never-ending rice fields.
Relax your mind, body, and spirit, as you immerse yourself in mindful movement, local traditions, and stunning tranquility in the surrounds of Doi Saket and Mala Dhara.
In addition to absorbing the peaceful beauty of Mala Dhara with daily slow-paced yoga, meditation, and reflection circles, you'll have the opportunity to:
*Learn about the festival of Loi Krathong with a low-key, ritual and workshop led by our host.
*Day trip to Chiang Dao with a full elemental experience as you climb to the heavens of a Buddhist temple, descend to the belly of the earth with caves full of intricate carvings, and soak into the moment at natural hot springs.
*Receive traditional Thai massage and then learn from one of our guides, Heidi, in a workshop that will include history, philosophy, self-massage techniques, and optional partner work.
*Cycle to off-the-beaten-path hot springs, temples, and caves near the retreat center in your free time or relax in the saltwater pool of Mala Dhara.
*Explore your senses with a vegan Thai cooking class with our host.
*Visit colorful craft markets and communities with a wide range of unique artisan work.
Availability is limited - book your spot now!
Deadline to sign up is July 31, 2020.
All deposits are non-refundable.
Fifty (50) percent of trip cost is due by July 1, 2020.
Remaining balance must be paid 60 days before trip start date: September 1, 2020.
If you decide to cancel your trip, the following fees apply at the time (prior to departure) we receive written notice of your cancellation.
-More than 90 days before retreat start date, 100 percent of your payment may be refunded or applied to a future retreat, excluding the deposit.
-60-89 days before retreat start date, 50 percent of any payment already made may be applied to another retreat, excluding your deposit. You will forfeit 50 percent of the price of your retreat, excluding the deposit. Example: If your retreat cost is $2500.00 with a $400.00 deposit, and you've paid in full, $1050.00 may be applied toward a future retreat.
-15-59 days before retreat start date, 25 percent of your payment may be applied to another retreat, excluding your deposit. You will forfeit 75 percent of the price of your retreat. Example: If your retreat cost is $2500.00 with a $400 deposit, $525.00 may be applied toward a future retreat.
-If you cancel 14 days or less before retreat start date, you will forfeit your entire payment.
Doi Saket is 5000 feet above sea level. The dry season runs from November to June. Daytime temperatures can range from 80-90 degrees (F) with evenings cooling down to the low 70-60s (F). Chiang Mai has similar temperatures.
A passport valid for a minimum of six (6) months following your travel dates is required for travel to Thailand.
For U.S. citizens, you will receive a tourist visa stamp on your passport upon arrival. A visa application is NOT required in advance if you are staying for LESS than 30 days and arriving by air. If arriving by land, a tourist visa is valid for 15 days. If you plan to stay longer in Thailand you can obtain a visa easily online.
The following applies to visas for U.S. citizens:
**It is your full responsibility to purchase and obtain a visa for Thailand if your country of origin requires you to do so or if you plan to extend your time in Thailand.
We will stay at Mala Dhara Eco Resort, located 45 minutes east of Chiang Mai (City). Mala Dhara is unique for its earthen adobe structures, peaceful surroundings in the rice fields, views of Chiang Dao Mountain, indoor and outdoor shalas as well as relaxing salt water pool.
Mala Dhara will be completely private for our group. Note that there are walking paths that may be elevated and made out of bamboo, on the property. Please let us know if this is an issue for you so we can do our best to place you in a room not out in the rice fields.
All accommodations will have hot water (solar and generator) and electricity. You can expect the accommodations to be comfortable, but not extravagant. Mala Dhara is a very natural setting. WiFi is offered in the restaurant area as well as the rooms. Laundry service will be available for a fee of 10 THB ($0.33) per item.
For those sharing rooms, we want to match you with a compatible roommate. Please feel free to share any specific preferences or details related to gender identity that are important to you.
Doi Saket is 5000 feet above sea level. The dry season runs from November to June. Daytime temperatures can range from 80-90 degrees (F) with evenings cooling down to the low 70-60s (F). Chiang Mai has similar temperatures.
ALL meals provided at Mala Dhara are VEGAN, as the restaurant does not serve animal products. If you require animal protein, you may purchase snacks that may be kept in your mini-fridge and choose to eat your lunches out.
Aside from vegan cuisine, the retreat center is able to meet needs such as gluten-free, nut allergies, and other dietary needs.
We strongly recommend buying travel insurance. Read What to Know Before Buying Travel Insurance for a quick overview of the features you want to look for in a travel insurance policy. Essentially, you want to be sure your policy includes trip cancellation/ interruption, medical coverage, emergency evacuation, lost baggage and flight insurance. In theory, you’re supposed to buy insurance as close to the date of your first trip payment as possible to ensure coverage for all expenses and eliminate any risk of claim denial for pre-existing conditions. In the event that you need to cancel your trip, I will work with you to provide the necessary documentation for reimbursement. Many use a site like www.insuremytrip.com to purchase travel insurance. However, I’ve often found that many of the travel insurance policies offered at the time of flight purchase are sufficient and cheaper.
Prices are per person.
Raindrop Villa is perhaps the most iconic structure at Mala Dhara because of the three rain drops design of the dome shaped roof. Completely circular in form and without a corner anywhere in the design, the raindrop villa promises an energetically soothing and welcoming stay for every guest.
Prices are per person.
Jai Dee Villa has an earthen adobe brick design, hand molded on site and lovingly assembled. This villa, while smaller inside, offers the same standard of design, amenities and comforts as the other villas but situated privately among the Mala Dhara farm at the edge of the resort. Jai Dee Villa has sweeping views of the mountains and is perched above the gardens and rice fields of the Mala Dhara Organic Farm.
Prices are per person.
Dhara Villa offers guests an opportunity to stay in a room with a unique, individual design, large interior and always enticing wooden bathtub. A short walk from the pool and restaurant, Dhara Villa is a popular choice for guests when selecting villas at the Mala Dhara.
Prices are per person.
Bamboo Villa is a large, high-ceiling villa with a spacious indoor sitting area, indoor bathroom with moonlight views, and an enormous outdoor veranda with a lusciously curved couch for lounging.
The interior of this villa is spacious enough to provide a beautiful seating area inlaid into the earthen walls and lined with pillows as well as a large double bed and hand-sewn cotton mosquito net. The bathroom has a special open air design with stylish ceramic basin and fine fixtures providing a romantic tropical element to your stay.
Prices are per person.
In Hobbit Villa you enter through the handcrafted and individually designed doorway and are immediately aware that this is just a prelude to the tastefully chosen authentic furniture, brass fixtures, cotton drapes and succulent wooden bathtub. The bathroom does not disappoint, with an intriguingly large rounded doorway, rain shower and artisanal wooden bathtub.
Prices are per person with two guests in Mala A and two in Mala B. Bathroom is meters from the villa.
The Mala Villas are specially designed villas that can be fashioned as either two private villas with two shared outdoor bathrooms or as two connected villas – perfect for family or friends.
The Mala Villa has a very special design even among so many stand out accommodations at the Mala Dhara. This Villa is actually separated into Mala Villa A and Mala Villa B, with two shared outdoor bathrooms to choose from: one bathroom featuring a shower in nature under the stars and one well protected.
Prices are per person.
The Adobe Bungalows are the newest additions to the Mala Dhara family. Priced at mid-range for those guests that require private accommodations at a budget rate. These lovely small rooms have a single bed and en suite bathroom, air con, Wifi, and are tastefully decorated in the Mala Dhara style - all while offering privacy out in the rice fields.
These rooms do not have mosquito nets due to the structure of the bungalow. The retreat center states they are not needed really with both AC and the fan, but you are welcome to bring one if you want (and attempt to rig it over the bed) if you're concerned.
We’ll depart from Chiang Mai (hotel TBD) at 1:00 to head to the retreat center. You’ll have time to settle in, shower, and relax. Those who want can join a gentle yoga class to ground and unwind travel tension. Following yoga, the group will meet for our opening circle which will include brief introductions and optional intentions, brief overview of terms introvert and HSP, and group agreements to facilitate a supportive space for the week. After our circle, we will enjoy our first dinner at Mala Dhara.
